Lineman First Class/Journey

1st Class Lineman

This position is the conclusion of an extended training period planned to develop a competent craftsman who can provide the needed services for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the electrical distribution system both underground and overhead. The 1st Class Lineman should provide supervision to and assist Apprentice Lineman and Groundman.

This position is subject to adverse weather elements/hazards, and subject to work-related hazards while performing the job. Works outside with great physical exertion requiring upper body strength and stamina. Frequently climbs poles and is exposed to the risk of high precarious places up to 55 feet or more, installing line materials and equipment such as transformers, reclosures, cutouts, insulators, etc., and often works in awkward positions requiring lower body strength. Will individually or with assistance pull or use force regularly for materials, tools and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, frequently pull or use force up to 50 pounds, and occasionally pull and use force up to 100 pounds. Reaching and lifting overhead is required. The job requires standing, crawling, climbing, bending, pulling, and reaching a majority of the time. Must be certified and able to perform bucket, pole top rescue, first aid, and CPR. Shovels dirt works around noisy construction machinery and equipment and visually inspects work for safe connections and standards design. Works on uneven terrain in areas along and off-road rights-of-way often encountering vehicular traffic. Will frequently work with or near energized lines (normally in voltage classes of 7.2 kV to 12.47 kV) and equipment requiring safe work habits and performed in accordance with established work procedures and specifications to avoid electric shock and injury. Frequently sits in a line truck to drive or ride to various line sites. At risk exposure of to blood-borne pathogens. Must reside within a 12-mile radius. May be able to operate equipment including, but not limited to digger derrick trucks, bucket trucks, chain saws, and any other construction or maintenance-related equipment. Will be exposed to chemical sprays used to clear right-of-way. Office restricted smoking areas. Subject to random drug and alcohol testing consistent with DOT regulations and HPC policies.

The 1st Class Lineman is expected to be able to perform all types of line work without supervision.

Responsibilities include:

• The most important and essential job function of the position is attitude and includes the following: a) getting along with co-workers, b) cooperating with co-workers, c) responding politely to customers, d) working as a team member, e) functioning under intense time pressure, f) responding in a positive manner to supervision.
• Supervises line crew personnel when assigned.
• Serves as Temporary Line Supervisor when directed or required.
• Inspects completed construction work while in charge of a crew, determines that work is according to RUS specifications and other requirements, and sees that all deficiencies are corrected.
• Receives clearance to energize or to temporarily de-energize lines in the absence of the Line Supervisor; complies with all safety precautions when opening and closing energized lines; confers with Operations Supervisor regarding line feed direction before performing work.
• Installs or changes transformers, line oil circuit reclosers, and related equipment.
• Installs or changes capacitors and voltage regulators; changes taps and regulates voltage on transformers on the line.
• Observes the performance of any line crew members assigned to make sure they are following an effective work procedure and observing safe practices; assumes obligation for coaching of any helpers assigned.
• Submits charge-outs and credit-in tickets on the material in accordance with established procedures when required or directed.
• Makes substation installations and performs required work for substation maintenance as directed when under direct supervision.
• Works live conductors and distribution voltages in accordance with prescribed methods.
• Ensures that trucks, tools, and working equipment assigned to him are properly used and kept in safe and orderly condition.
• Actively participates in on-the-job training and safety programs and becomes knowledgeable of Cooperative safety rules and practices.
• Becomes familiar with and operates all switching equipment with proper clearances.
• Performs on-call duty as directed.
• Becomes familiar with the proper safe practices when setting poles and digging holes.
• Remains constantly alert for any potential power failure or safety hazard and either immediately corrects or reports same to the Line Supervisor or other responsible person.
• Cuts right-of-way as required or directed.
• Becomes familiar with RUS specifications, the Cooperative Safety Manual, the National Electrical Safety Code, and requirements of the Cooperative regarding house wiring and line construction.
• Submits material tickets, line sketches, staking sheets, pole numbers or map references for the Line Supervisor when required.
• Receives communications and directives and orally confirms full understanding; keeps Line Supervisor informed of important information concerning the work performed.
• Becomes trained and certified in first aid, pole top rescue, and CPR.
• Complies with all traffic laws, Cooperative safety rules, regulations, and safe practices while operating any vehicle assigned. Should always look out for the safety of the vehicle assigned, its occupants, and its loads. Ensures that pre-trip inspections are completed.
• Becomes familiar with all hazards that exist in the form of falls, electric shock, electric flash, falling objects, and traffic, is familiar with the use of protective and safety equipment, and always follows the best safety practices as set forth in the Cooperative Safety Manual.
• Remains familiar with requirements of subordinate jobs to be able to perform at any time; studies requirements of senior positions to be ready for advancement.
• Keeps informed of all Cooperative policies and procedures. Keeps trained and aware of current software the cooperative utilizes "iVue".
• Connects and disconnects meters as required or directed.
• Performs such other duties as required or directed.
• Possesses and uses the skills and knowledge necessary to perform all phases of line work, including the construction, operation, and maintenance of the distribution and transmission systems.
• Instructs Apprentice Linemen during various phases of their training.
• Sets a positive example of safe practices for others.
• Follows cooperative procedures and sees that job-related records, reports, and other paperwork are correct, complete, and on time.
• Maintains currency and ability to perform first aid and artificial respiration, AED's and pole top resuscitation.
• Remains a competent craftsman by keeping skills and knowledge current.

Is under the direct supervision of the Line Foreman, Serviceman, or Lead Lineman if assigned to a crew. May be delegated the responsibility for supervising the work of others as a Lead Lineman.

Will do single or two-person call-outs on outages.